St. Louis Cardinals: Five Free Agent Pitchers the Team Can Reboot

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Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Doug Fister

Fister may have fallen even further than Samardzija in 2015. His 2.41 ERA in 2014 was sixth best among all big league starters. But last year, a forearm strain and mechanical issues led to his banishment to the Washington Nationals bullpen in August. Fister’s track record suggests a bounce-back 2016. His ERA for his seven-year career is 3.41, and he still averages less than a homer per nine.

Another plus is that he’s no fireballer. He generates a nice downward plane from his 6-feet-8 frame, relying on a sinker to generate a ton of ground balls. Part of what Fister needs to be really good again is an excellent defense behind him. Which is why he probably shouldn’t be signing with St. Louis this winter. Sorry.